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2017 Mercedes-Benz E 300 Electrical Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the electrical system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Electrical reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
23
Latest May 14, 2026
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
18%
of 131 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
1
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
1

What this page shows

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2017 Mercedes-Benz E 300 submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 23 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming electrical

Shown in the owner’s own words, exactly as filed

Electrical
Filed May 14, 2026

Sunroof glass shattered water got in the car

NHTSA ID
11737905
Incident
May 6, 2026
ElectricalEngine
Filed Apr 22, 2026

My car is not accelerating when I shift into drive or reverse. It says “reversing not possile-service required” error. Out the blue. There is a known recall on these model cars but Mercedes benz is saying its vin specific and mine is not covered even though I am experiencing the exact same issue. Recall date- 2017-02-07 Recall no. 17V078000

NHTSA ID
11732941
Incident
Apr 21, 2026
ElectricalOther / unspecified
Filed Aug 13, 2025

I am writing to formally lodge a complaint regarding serious and repeated issues with my 2017 Mercedes-Benz E300, purchased and serviced exclusively by authorized Mercedes-Benz dealerships. 1. Repeated OEM Run-Flat Tire Failures Within the past two years, I have been forced to replace nine OEM run-flat tires, including:    •   3 replacements at Mercedes-Benz of Tysons Corner, VA    •   2 replacements at Goodyear Tires, Cattlemen Rd., Sarasota, FL    •   4 additional replacements at certified service centers These failures occur under normal driving conditions, often without visible punctures or road hazards, and at safe speeds. Each tire replacement costs approximately $550, plus towing, diagnostic fees, and rental car costs. The financial and safety burdens are substantial, and this level of tire failure is not normal for any vehicle—particularly a low-mileage, luxury sedan. 2. Electrical/Dashboard Recording Malfunction My dashboard service history fails to record service visits, even when performed at Mercedes-Benz dealerships. This is deeply concerning as it compromises vehicle resale value, warranty tracking, and transparency of maintenance records. Despite multiple visits and attempts by service centers, the issue persists without resolution. 3. Financial Impact and Brand Reputation The total cost of repeated tire replacements and unresolved electrical issues has reached several thousand dollars, despite my vehicle having relatively low mileage and receiving all recommended service at authorized dealers. This experience is completely inconsistent with the quality and reliability promised by the Mercedes-Benz brand. I am requesting the following:    •   Full investigation into the defect rate of OEM run-flat tires on the 2017 E-Class models    •   Immediate inspection and repair of the dashboard/electrical recording issue at no cost to me    •   Reimbursement for tire-related costs and associated expenses incurred due to repeated failures.

NHTSA ID
11680306
Incident
Aug 12, 2025
Electrical
Filed Apr 30, 2025

When using Map apps through CarPlay, I’ve noticed two consistent problems: Inaccurate Vehicle Speed: The carplay speedometor does not match the the actual speedometer of the vehicle, which seems always 1.6 times higher than the actual(seems to be the metric confusion from mph to kmh). GPS Drift: The location shown on the map is frequently ahead of my actual position, which causes navigation directions (especially turns and exits) to be slightly mistimed. However, when the speedometer is correct, the GPS drift issue would disappear automatically. So I assume that these two issues are correlated. These issues can be confusing and potentially unsafe while driving. I’ve tested other navigation apps on CarPlay and found they do exhibit the same behavior, so I suspect the issue may be general to Mercedes E300 and probably other vehicles. I did a bit of research and found it to be a common issue of Mercedes E300 2017. Please see attached link for the threads from MB forum. https://mbworld.org/forums/gls-class-x167/843643-wrong-speed-limit-detected.html Thank you for your assistance, and I look forward to your reply. Best regards

NHTSA ID
11658033
Incident
Apr 1, 2025
ElectricalFuel system
Filed Jan 11, 2025

Smell of Gas coming from the the fuel line, and the radio changes stations on its own

NHTSA ID
11635458
Incident
Jan 10, 2025
ElectricalSteering
Filed Dec 2, 2024

The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz E300. The contact stated that while at a complete stop and releasing the brake pedal, the Eco Mode system failed to engage, and the engine failed to restart. The contact stated that upon depressing the Push to Start button, the vehicle restarted. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the battery was replaced; however, the failure progressively worsened. The contact stated that while at a complete stop with Eco Mode activated, the vehicle would only restart after pressing the Push to Start button several times. The contact used a vehicle scanner and was able to retrieve diagnostic trouble codes related to the Starting Current Limiter. The contact referenced TSB Number: 2017020021 and NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V114000 (Electrical System, Engine and Engine Cooling). Additionally, the contact stated that the steering wheel had seized in an incorrect position and could not be readjusted. The contact related the failure to TSB Number: 2017020018. The dealer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

NHTSA ID
11628294
Incident
Dec 2, 2024
Mileage
130,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Dec 12, 2023

Battery being drained, the car does not start, water inside the vehicle on the floor at the drivers side

NHTSA ID
11559812
Incident
Dec 11, 2022
Driver assistanceElectricalVisibility
Filed Sep 14, 2023

The entire driver instrument panel screen went blank, after going blank and coming back on a few times while driving. This is EXTREMELY dangerous. Now, the driver cannot see the speed, odo, fuel gauge, indicators or anything at all. I hope you please investigate and initiate a campaign and get this resolved from Mercedes.

NHTSA ID
11544443
Incident
Sep 13, 2023
Electrical
Filed Jan 19, 2023

The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz E300. The contact stated that the GPS Navigation voice control was providing driving directions to random locations. The contact stated that the locations might be miles away from the intended destination. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the GPS Navigation unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was contacted but provided no additional assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

NHTSA ID
11502665
Incident
Sep 1, 2022
Mileage
60,000 mi
Body & structureElectrical
Filed Feb 10, 2022

Suddenly , the trunk stopped closing completely. Noted a significant gap in the trunk to the quarter panel due to the pull down function / soft close not working. Trunk is now slightly open, which could be an issue with water ingress with many electrical components in the trunk compartment.

NHTSA ID
11451429
Incident
Feb 10, 2022
Driver assistanceElectricalFuel system
Filed Jan 10, 2022

There are three main issues: As the weather got cold here in NJ, whenever the car is started in the morning, there is a strong fuel smell inside the cabin. Also there is a lot of fumes that smell gasoline. I think it is safety issue. The auto braking does not seem to operate right. I do not see any error message, but it had never tried to avoid a collision when I have tried other cars that would have normally applied the brakes in those situations. The garage door opening function does not work as soon as the ignition is turned off. This is an electrical issue in my view.

NHTSA ID
11446899
Incident
Jan 3, 2022
Driver assistanceElectricalExterior lighting
Filed Sep 27, 2021

Vehicle instrument cluster has gone completely off while driving, will not display. Everything else in car works fine. Fuses are not blown. Shows recall in 2017 for this make and model but VIN does not show as any active recalls related to this for this vehicle.

NHTSA ID
11434484
Incident
Sep 26, 2021
Electrical
Filed Aug 16, 2021

The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz E300. The contact stated that while starting and driving the vehicle, the instrument cluster was blank. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no further assistance was provided. The contact stated that the failure was like NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V245000 (Electrical System). The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.

NHTSA ID
11429325
Incident
Jul 26, 2021
Mileage
70,000 mi
ElectricalFuel system
Filed Jun 7, 2021

It appears according to the technician that the entire fuel system has shorted out at once while I was driving down the road and my car died at once while nearly causing a wreck while losing all power steering and control.

NHTSA ID
11419930
Incident
Jun 2, 2021
ElectricalExterior lighting
Filed Jan 27, 2021

ADAPTIVE HIGH BEAM WAS NOT WORKING - UPON INITIAL ACTIVATION OF THE HIGH BEAM THE CAR WOULD PROVIDE AN ERROR THAT THE CAMERA WAS BLOCKED AND IT WOULD NOT WORK. THE DEALER INVESTIGATED AND IT APPEARS A PIECE OF TRIM FROM INSTALLATION WHEN NEW WAS LEFT IN THE CAMERA AND IT WAS NOT INSTALLED PROPERLY. THIS IS AN ISSUE IF YOU SUDDENLY NEEDED THE HIGH BEAMS ON AND THE CAR MAKES YOU PROCESS THE ERROR FIRST. THIS COULD IMPACT ANY DRIVER AIDS USING THE MULTIFUNCTION CAMERA.

NHTSA ID
11390258
Incident
Nov 24, 2019
Mileage
20,500 mi
Driver assistanceElectricalPowertrain (other)
Filed Sep 19, 2020

ON SEPT. 10, 2020 WHILE DRIVING ON THE WESTBOUND LONG ISLAND EXPRESSWAY, NEAR EXIT 19,IN AN AFTERNOON RAINSTORM, MY 3 YEAR OLD MB E300 WAS FLOODED THROUGH THE REAR VIEW MIRROR MOUNT AND THE COLUMN ON THE DRIVERS' SIDE, SEPARATING THE WINDSHIELD AND DOOR. WATER CASCADED FROM THESE AREAS AND FLOODED THE FLOOR. ALL ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS ON THE FLOOR, UNDER THE FRONT SEATS, WERE SHORTED OUT. THIS BROUGHT THE CAR TO A COMPLETE AND SUDDEN STANDSTILL IN TRAFFIC ON THE HIGHWAY. THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO RUN BUT THE CAR WOULD NOT DRIVE OR MOVE, POTENTIALLY PUTTING MY LIFE IN JEOPARDY. THE SHIFT LEVER WOULD NOT PUT THE CAR INTO DRIVE, REVERSE OR NEUTRAL. THE CAR NEEDED A TOW ON A DOLLY OFF THE HIGHWAY AND IT CONTINUED TO RUN FOR HOURS. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD NOT TURN OFF AND THE WINDOWS COULD NOT BE SHUT. JUST ABOUT EVERY WARNING LIGHT IN EXISTENCE WAS ON IN THE DASHBOARD. THE ENGINE WAS FINALLY SHUT DOWN, AFTER OVER 4 HOURS, WHEN THE CAR ARRIVED AT RALLYE MERCEDES BENZ IN ROSLYN, NY. THIS SUDDEN STOP, IN A RUNNING CAR, ON A LIMITED ACCESS HIGHWAY COULD OF BEEN DEADLY. THE CAR HAD RECENTLY BEEN SERVICED AT RALLYE MOTORS.

NHTSA ID
11360007
Incident
Sep 10, 2020
Mileage
64,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Mar 6, 2020

I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE IN JANUARY 2020. AT FIRST, THE FUEL FILLER DOOR WOULD NOT STAY CLOSED ONCE I OPENED IT TO PUMP GAS. EVERY TIME I WOULD CLOSE IT, IT WOULD POP BACK OPEN. I WOULD HAVE TO CLOSE IT ABOUT 10 TIMES BEFORE IT WOULD STAY CLOSED. THEN, I WENT TO PUMP GAS AND THE FUEL FILLER DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN ALTHOUGH THE VEHICLE WAS UNLOCKED. PEOPLE EXPECT BETTER QUALITY FROM SUCH AN EXPENSIVE BRAND. MERCEDES BENZ NEEDS TO ADDRESS THIS WIDESPREAD ISSUE WITH THE FUEL FILLER DOOR.

NHTSA ID
11316551
Incident
Mar 5, 2020
Mileage
30,000 mi
Body & structureElectrical
Filed Apr 15, 2019
1 injury reported

THE MOTORIZED TRUNK LID SPONTANEOUSLY AND FORCEFULLY CLOSED ON MY HEAD, CUTTING MY FACE, WHILE I WAS LOADING (WITH BOTH HANDS) GROCERIES INTO THE TRUNK. CAR WAS PARKED IN PARKING LOT, ENGINE OFF.

NHTSA ID
11196475
Incident
Apr 15, 2019
Mileage
14,000 mi
Electrical
Filed May 26, 2018

REAR RADAR NOT WORKING SO NO WARNING OF PEDESTRIANS OR VEHICLES. THERE IS NO DETECTABLE NOISE TO WARN OPERATOR. SERVICE MANGROVE AR BONITA MERCEDES OF FL. SAYS HE COULD DRILL SOME HOLES IN CA?.?? HAVE ALMOST BEEN STRUCK SEVERAL TIMES, THIS MUST BE A SYSTEM PROBLEM THE WAY THE ARE AVOIDING. VERY DANGEROUS.

NHTSA ID
11098119
Incident
May 8, 2017
Body & structureElectrical
Filed Feb 19, 2018
Fire reported

THE CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE AFTER IT BEING IN SERVICE AT THE DEALERSHIP. THE CAR WAS SENT TO THE CAR DEALERSHIP 3 TIMES BECAUSE THE AUTO START WAS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. THE CAR WOULD JUST STOP AND COULD NOT TURN BACK ON SO I HAD TO GET IT TOWED 3 TIMES...... AFTER THE LAST TIME IT CAUGHT ON FIRE WITH THE PASSENGER INSIDE THE CAR..... PASSENGER IS OK DID NOT GET HURT BUT IT WAS A VERY TRAUMATIZING EXPERIENCE. THE CAR IS NOW A TOTAL LOSS AND I'M STILL WAITING ON THE DEALERSHIP TO INVESTIGATE THE FIRE AND TO PAY FOR THE CAR.

NHTSA ID
11073625
Incident
Dec 5, 2017
AirbagsElectricalEngine
Filed Sep 15, 2017

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 MERCEDES-BENZ E300W. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 17V076000 (AIR BAGS) AND 17V114000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIRS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED (MERCEDES-BENZ OF CLEAR LAKE, CLEAR LAKE, TX, 281-554-9100) AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT....UPDATED 10/27/17 *BF UPDATED 11/2/2017*JS

NHTSA ID
11023687
Incident
Feb 8, 2017
BrakesElectricalEngine
Filed Jul 27, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 MERCEDES-BENZ E300. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V114000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE PART FOR THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PARKING BRAKE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE DELRAY MERCEDES-BENZ DEALER WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,000. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 09/01/17*LJ *JS

NHTSA ID
11011004
Incident
Jul 27, 2017
Mileage
5,000 mi
AirbagsBrakesElectrical+1 more
Filed Mar 20, 2017

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 MERCEDES-BENZ E300. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 71 MPH, THE BRAKES SCREECHED AND THE VEHICLE SHOOK AND THEN SHUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY. THE ACTIVE BRAKE ASSIST AND "SEE OPERATOR'S MANUAL" INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE DEALER KEPT THE VEHICLE FOR ONE WEEK. THE CONTACT RETRIEVED THE VEHICLE, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER AND THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THERE WAS NO REMEDY FOR THE BRAKE FAILURE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 17V076000 (AIR BAGS) AND 17V114000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT AND VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID
10967270
Incident
Jan 8, 2017

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

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